Leica Reviews

MINOX GmbH, in Wetzlar, the manufacturer of cameras with the
8 x 11 mm film format, launched the MINOX ECX in 1998.
The MINAR 15 mm f/5.6 lens ensures maximum optical performance
of the MINOX ECX. The focal length of the 8 x 11 MINOX format
provides a depth of field range from 1 m to infinity making
manual focusing absolutely superfluous. Thanks to a new mounting
technique and the further developed multicoating of all glass
and air surfaces of the optical system, this unique lens reaches

a resolution of more than 200 line pairs per millimeter, surpas-
sing all series-manufactured lenses for amateur photographers.
FYI, for maximum quality right up to the final color photograph,
MINOX recommends using their Minocolor Pro Film. The new APS
emulsion of this film ensures an exceptionally high resolution.
It is also possible to use all MINOX 8 x 11 mm negative and
transparency films between 25 and 400 ASA. The new film loading
contact signals there is a film in the camera via a LED display
in the viewfinder. The fully automatic aperture priority mode of
the MINOX ECX provides a speed control of the leaf shutter of
between 1/500 and 8 seconds.

Technical data for MINOX ECX:
Film, format: 8 x 11 mm
Film transport: Push-pull rapid wind
Shutter: Electronically controlled diaphragm Shutter
Film speed: Adjustable from ISO 25/12° to ISO 400/27°
LED display:
Red: camera shake warning and battery check
Green: film is loaded
Lens: Four-element MINAR-Fixfocus lens
Lens hood: Permanently fitted
Frame counter: Counting down from 36, 30 to 0 or from 15 to 0
Flash connection: Special contact for MINOX flash ECX
Body: Glass-fibre reinforced plastic material
Dimensions (LxWxH): 8 x 3 x 1,8 cm (when closed)
Weight (with battery): Approx. 56 g
What you get: MINOX ECX Set includes battery, strap and film, +
this accessory: MINOX flash ECX.
About the included flash:
Extraordinary design, but powerful. Electronic flash with guide
number 12 (ISO 100/21°).
Attention, serious macrophotographers:
the model ECX does-NOT include a "measuring chain". Should you
wish a Minox 8x11 with an attached measuring chain, go for their
60682 TLX set with meter chain
60683 TLX set with feet chain
60684 TLX with meter chain
60685 TLX with feet chain.
The measuring chain has beads along its length which permit one
to properly distance the camera from the document that is being
photographed.

This little beauty is super simple, but does not lack in function. This camera's most obvious advantage over other cameras is its size. The only disadvantage is that it is so small, that you might lose it!

When doing clandestine photography, small size, stealth and reliability are requirements. This is the reason the Minox cameras have been the choice for 3 generations.

The Minox ECX is no exception.

This is a camera that can be easily carried in your pocket every day, yet gives you images of astounding quality. Barely the size of a disposable lighter, the ECX is quiet and smooth in its operation. Its ergonomic design allows for large or small hands to operate it comfortably, despite its diminutive dimensions.

Never again have to say, "Wow, I wish I had a camera!" With the Minox you will always have one handy.

It's an interesting camera made by the Minox folks. The close up is amazing as it is a true "thru the lens" viewfinder, similar to an SLR. Not mentioned is the manual lens cap, remember to remove it. It uses 4 AA cells, lithium last longest. Case is really odd and semi useless, no handle or strap. Camera looks and feels good. Plug in sockets for AC power, usb to pc and video/sound to TV. Menu very complete and easy to control the camera and quick to work with. Optical viewfinder saves battery power, i use it most of the time and have the "preview just taken picture" feature to determine keep/delete. Very accurate in low light. I use a 256Meg SanDisk Compact Flash Ultra 2 (very fast) yeilding 260 "best quality" capacity. Found a better case, using the Tamrac Digital model 5693, belt/shoulder and storage for batteries and an extra Compact flash + a bit of padding - just perfect after checking all the cases at B&H's NYC store.

The Minox DC3311 has performed very well for me. The pictures are of astonishing quality for the price. There are numerous options that allow a lot of flexibility, and I have found the camera easy and fun to use. It's small enough to fit in my coat pocket on vacation.

There are two problems I've had -- the Viking flash card I purchased from Amazon does not work very well in this camera! I'll be trying to get a replacement from Amazon. PQI, Sandisk, Leaxar or Kingston cards are apparently recommended by Minox.

Also, uploading 33 images to my computer completely exhausted the 4 AA batteries, and I didn't receive a plug-in-the-wall adapter from Amazon. After an e-mail to Leica in New Jersey (the USA rep) they sent one free.

Bottom line: the camera performs well; don't buy a Viking flash card.